DA Silvera and Investigator Hazel Address Real Estate Fraud Prevention Efforts in Merced County

In a recent meeting of the Merced County Board of Supervisors, significant strides were discussed regarding the county's efforts to combat real estate fraud. District Attorney Nicole Silvera and Chief Investigator Anna Hazel presented an update on initiatives aimed at improving outreach and response to this growing concern.

Silvera highlighted the restructuring of the fraud division within the District Attorney's office, which now centralizes real estate and consumer fraud investigations under a dedicated investigator. This change is accompanied by the addition of a full-time attorney and a paralegal, enhancing the office's capacity to address these issues effectively. The DA's office has also initiated outreach efforts, including meetings with local realtors and collaboration with the recorder's office to ensure that potential fraud cases are promptly identified and reported.

The discussion underscored the importance of raising public awareness about real estate fraud, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly. Supervisor Pacheco inquired about the demographics of victims, to which Silvera responded that cases often involve elderly individuals, emphasizing the need for targeted outreach to educate these communities about potential scams. The DA's office has already conducted seminars aimed at seniors and plans to continue these efforts in the fall.

Supervisors expressed concerns about the potential for increased reporting of fraud as awareness grows. Silvera noted that while the current number of reported cases is low, this may not reflect the actual prevalence of fraud, but rather a lack of awareness among the public about how to report it. The office encourages residents to utilize online reporting tools and to reach out directly for assistance.

In addition to the real estate fraud discussion, the meeting included updates on fire services and sheriff's office operations, with motions passing unanimously on various agenda items. The board's commitment to addressing community concerns, including fraud prevention and public safety, remains a priority as they continue to engage with residents and local organizations.

As Merced County moves forward, the focus on educating the public about fraud prevention and ensuring that victims have the resources they need will be crucial in fostering a safer community.